Written by LaShonda Tucker and Abdul Wadood
Painting breathes new life into your home, but it often leaves behind a nasty odor that can trigger headaches, affect breathing, or is just unpleasant.
Some of the most effective ways to get rid of paint fumes include venting rooms by opening doors and windows, placing onions around the room to absorb the smells, or using white vinegar and essential oils to neutralize the odor.
Let’s check out some of the most effective methods for eliminating paint fumes.
Use Low-VOC Paint
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that turn into a gas at room temperature. They produce fumes that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Most paints contain VOCs, but you can reduce the smell by choosing a low-VOC paint. There are also some no-VOC, water-based paints available on the market.
Here’s how to tell if a paint is low-VOC:
Check the label directly: Look for statements like “Low-VOC,” “Zero-VOC,” or specific VOC content measurements. The VOC level is typically listed in grams per liter (g/L).
Look for VOC content numbers: In the US, paint is considered low-VOC if it contains less than 50 g/L for flat paints and less than 150 g/L for non-flat paints. Zero-VOC paints contain less than 5 g/L.
Third-party certifications: Look for labels from organizations like Green Seal, GREENGUARD, or the Master Painters Institute (MPI), which certify low-emission products.
Brand marketing: Many manufacturers market their low-VOC lines with names that include terms like “Natural,” “Eco,” “Green,” or “Healthy.”
Open Windows and Use Fans to Ventilate
I left my windows and doors open for a couple of days after painting, and that drastically reduced the smell. It helps fresh air flow in and improves air circulation.
After the paint has dried, set up fans around the room facing the windows. They help the paint dry faster and push those lingering fumes outside.
Cool the Room
Heat intensifies paint fumes, so keeping the room cool can help dissipate the odor faster. If you must close the windows, turn on the air conditioner. However, since proper ventilation is best, reopen the windows as soon as possible.
If it’s winter, wait until the paint dries before turning on the heat.
Use an Air Purifier
Turn on your air purifiers while painting to help absorb the smell faster. I recommend using air purifiers with a HEPA filter for the best results.
Substances You Can Use to Neutralize Odors
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber. It absorbs the fumes in the room and reduces the smell drastically. Pour some on a few plates or shallow bowls and place them around the room. Throw it away the next day. If the odor persists, set out fresh baking soda.
You can also sprinkle some on upholstered furniture and the carpet and vacuum it up the next day.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is like baking soda, but it absorbs smells more effectively. Place it in bowls around the room and leave it for a few days.
Onions
Onions leave behind a strong smell, but they absorb the VOCs in paint fumes. Cut one or two onions in half and place them in containers around the room. Dispose of them once the paint smell is gone.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can give your room a nice fragrance and absorb the paint smell. Put dry coffee grounds in bowls around the room. However, when you’re ready for your cup of Joe, be sure not to use these grounds. Throw them away and start your pot of coffee with a fresh roast.
Water and Lemon
Place bowls of water with lemons around the room. You can also fill a bucket with water and lemon slices and leave it overnight. Water absorbs VOCs, while the lemons produce a fresh, clean, citrusy scent.
Vinegar
Vinegar, like onions, leaves behind a strong smell. However, white vinegar is excellent at neutralizing paint odors. Vinegar doesn’t remove VOCs from the air, but it helps reduce the smell. Place a few bowls around the room and leave them for two days.
Some people are turned off by the smell of vinegar, but I clean with it. For me, the smell of vinegar means a fresh and sanitized space.
Essential Oils and Candles
Essential oils, especially vanilla or peppermint, can mask the smell of VOCs. Put a few drops of oil in a diffuser or on cotton balls and set them in containers around the room. Burning scented candles is another way to mask the paint smell.
Other Tips
- Paint on low-humidity days: Paint dries more slowly when it’s humid, and its odor is most noticeable when it is still wet. Soft materials like upholstered furniture and carpet can absorb more of those fumes when drying takes longer.
- Keep doors to other rooms closed: It helps prevent paint fumes from spreading to those areas.
- Clean soft surfaces in the room: After painting, wash the bedding, clothes, and drapes in the room. And don’t forget to vacuum your carpet to get rid of any lingering particles.
Save the Nose, Hire a Pro
Painting is a fun and rewarding DIY task, but it can be messy. If you don’t want to deal with the mess or want to spend your weekend with your family, get in touch with Home Gnome. Our pros can also help you get rid of the paint smell.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: kinovo / Adobe Stock
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